Suitcase CEO

Natasha Reeves

Suitcase CEO is for the person who wants to be the boss of their life and live a not so traditional life abroad. You might be dying to live out your dream of living and working in another country but not quite sure where to start. Or maybe have some experience but are looking for more inspiration and ideas to continue your journey. If that sounds like you then you have come to the right place! Each week I will be interviewing someone new who is or was an expat (someone who lives outside of their own country) and we will be finding out their exciting journey of how they made it happen.

  1. 02/22/2025

    How I make $120/HR as an American Nurse in Australia!

    Lauren Fialdini shares her journey as a travel nurse living in Australia, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of working abroad. She discusses visa processes, differences in healthcare systems, cultural adjustments, and the financial aspects of life in Australia. Lauren also highlights the personal growth, community, and lifestyle changes that come with stepping out of her comfort zone. Resources mentioned: *Travel Con * Healthcare Australia (mention Lauren Fialdini referred you in your application and you both will receive a "refer a friend bonus" minimum of $250) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lauren's Journey 04:54 Life in Brisbane: Weather and Living Arrangements 12:11 Becoming a Nurse: The Path to Travel Nursing 16:42 Traveling Across the US: Experiences and Insights 20:33 Personal Growth Through International Living 23:01 Family Connections and Travel Aspirations 24:32 Discovering International Travel Nursing 29:15 Navigating Visa Processes and Opportunities 30:47 Understanding the Work and Holiday Visa 32:33 Agency Work and Travel Contracts 33:30 The Application Process for Nursing in Australia 41:25 Nursing Education and Experience Requirements 46:50 Navigating Work Visas and Employment in Australia 49:47 Adjusting to the Australian Healthcare System 52:55 Cultural Differences and Language Barriers 56:40 Building a Social Network Abroad 01:00:14 Experiencing Tasmania: A Unique Perspective 01:02:40 Health and Lifestyle Changes in Australia 01:05:57 The Emotional Journey of Relocation 01:09:27 Cost of Living and Financial Insights in Australia 01:11:30 Nursing in Australia: Pay and Experience 01:14:03 Cost of Living: A Comparison Between Australia and the US 01:17:56 Cultural Differences: Food and Lifestyle 01:22:10 Future Plans: Travel and Career Aspirations 01:29:59 Building Connections: The Importance of Community

    1h 32m
  2. 02/02/2025

    How I won a fully funded scholarship, twice!

    Ready to be inspired? Rafael shares how he went from a small town in Brazil to studying abroad in the U.S. as a high schooler later in France, navigating cultural barriers, scholarships, getting hired in Europe and visa challenges to become an entrepreneur. If you're between the ages of 18 and 40 and dreaming of studying or working abroad, this conversation is for you! Learn the power of taking risks, finding your purpose, and thriving in new environments. Don't forget to subscribe for more stories like this—your next adventure starts here! Connect further on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseceo/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@suitcaseceo_nat Spotify & Other Podcast Platforms - Suitcase CEO 00:00 - Introduction to Rafael's Journey 02:57 - Early Aspirations and Cultural Influences 06:05 - The Quest for Scholarships 08:55 - The AFS Program and Its Impact 12:00 - Emotional Moments and Family Support 15:02 - Building Confidence and Community Support 18:04 - Navigating High School and Vocational Education 20:56 - The Application Process and Challenges 23:56 - Preparing for the Journey to the U.S. 26:55 - Experiencing Life in America 30:02 - Cultural Adjustments and Growth 33:05 - Support Systems and Program Structure 34:06 - Overcoming Language Barriers 36:49 - Cultural Adjustments and Food Experiences 39:45 - The Immersive Experience of Living Abroad 40:34 - Mindset and Proactivity in New Environments 42:36 - Volunteering and Giving Back to AFS 44:33 - Inspiring Others Through Personal Experiences 46:47 - The Importance of Language in Connection 49:49 - Post-AFS Journey and University Life 57:15 - Pursuing Opportunities Abroad 01:01:07 - Dealing with Frustration and Resilience 01:03:28 - The Power of Taking Risks 01:06:52 - Faith and Purpose in Life's Journey 01:09:03 - Finding Purpose in Life 01:13:21 - The Role of Education in Personal Growth 01:16:40 - Experiences in French University 01:20:43 - Financial Aspects of Studying Abroad 01:23:10 - Cultural Integration and Friendships 01:26:02 - Lessons Learned from Living Independently 01:31:30 - Navigating the Pandemic in France 01:40:28 - Career Path After Graduation 01:44:55 - Navigating Employment and Visa Challenges in France 01:55:24 - Taking Risks: The Entrepreneurial Leap 02:09:34 - The Incubator Experience: Nurturing Business Ideas 02:16:27 - Embracing Change: A Message of Inspiration

    2h 4m
  3. 01/16/2025

    What It’s REALLY Like to Be an Au Pair in the USA

    In this episode, we sit down with Silvia, a 23-year-old au pair from Valencia, Spain, who shares her inspiring journey of living and working abroad. Sylvia talks about why she chose to leave her comfort zone, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and her incredible travel adventures across the United States. She also provides a detailed look into the process of becoming an au pair, from navigating agencies and visas to building connections in a new country. Whether you're considering a similar path or just curious about the au pair experience, Silvia’s story is sure to inspire you. If you have young children and have considered hosting an Au Pair, you can find out more about Cultural Care by going to the link below (I was able to get a referral code after making this video aka if it works out for you then I get paid yay!) https://culturalcare.com/refer/?referralId=E514D 00:00 - Introduction: Meet Sylvia, an Au Pair from Spain 00:17 - Sylvia's Hometown: Growing up in Valencia 01:03 - Life in the U.S.: Becoming an Au Pair in Arizona 02:15 - Decision to Become an Au Pair: Challenges and Opportunities 04:12 - Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone: Why Sylvia Is Glad She Took the Leap 06:30 - Missing Home: Family, Friends, and Life Back in Spain 08:00 - Cultural Differences: First Impressions of the U.S. 09:45 - Working with Kids: Adjusting to Life as an Au Pair 12:30 - The Application Process: Finding the Right Host Family 15:40 - Traveling in the U.S.: Sylvia's Favorite Destinations 18:20 - Financial Life as an Au Pair: Costs and Savings 20:45 - Advice for Future Au Pairs: Why You Should Take the Leap 23:00 - Conclusion: Reflections on Growth, Travel, and Life Abroad

    26 min
  4. 01/16/2025

    Argentinian Moves to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa

    Seba Chuffer, Creator of Cineastas del Futuro (Filmmakers of the Future), teaches young adults the art of storytelling through filmmaking. In this interview, he shares his perspective on the Hero's Journey and his transformative experiences traveling abroad. Leaving behind school, a girlfriend, and family, Seba bought a one-way ticket to New Zealand, embarking on a journey that took him through New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, India and Mexico. Over the years, the uncertainty of travel became familiar, and his new challenge became finding stability and setting roots. 00:00 - Introduction 01:30 - Seba's first travel experience 05:58 - Whats the meaning of traveling? Hero's Journey Begins 08:41 - Stories are the basics to behavior 16:04 - Are we fighting over a cookie or is it something else? 18:36 - Was deciding to move abroad easy? 19:56 - You need to shut the mind up 21:57 - How can we quiet our mind? 25:59 - One of the most life changing events in India 32:35 - Moving abroad to New Zealand, first time outside Argentina 37:05 - Is it good to detach yourself from people? 38:45 - I'm afraid but I'm doing it anyways 39:44 - What was it like to go to another country that doesn't speak your native language? 41:49 - How were the jobs in Australia? 44:39 - You can make so much money in 3 months and live for years off your savings 45:27 - Why go to India? 47:51 - I could be rational, but i'm called there 49:08 - Half a day I hated it and half a day I loved it 51:16 - What are people like in India? 58:56 - Why Israel and how does conflict recreate itself? 01:02:28 - How the stories we tell ourselves create reality 01:05:19 - Not everyone needs to travel, but if you don't do this one thing, you'll die 01:08:38 - What if I don't have a calling? 01:12:26 - Accept yourself and then do better 01:17:46 - This is my advice to someone who wants to travel and live abroad

    1h 21m

About

Suitcase CEO is for the person who wants to be the boss of their life and live a not so traditional life abroad. You might be dying to live out your dream of living and working in another country but not quite sure where to start. Or maybe have some experience but are looking for more inspiration and ideas to continue your journey. If that sounds like you then you have come to the right place! Each week I will be interviewing someone new who is or was an expat (someone who lives outside of their own country) and we will be finding out their exciting journey of how they made it happen.